What’s Next for the Texans at Linebacker After EJ Speed Injury?

Before diving into this in-depth analysis, make sure to subscribe to the Houston Stressans newsletter for exclusive Texans content, film breakdowns, and insider analysis straight to your inbox! Don't miss out on the latest updates—sign up today

The Houston Texans received unfortunate news this week as linebacker E.J. Speed reportedly suffered an injury, according to a report from Aaron Wilson.

Beyond simply losing a rotational linebacker, the injury highlights just how valuable Speed quietly became for the Texans defense last season.

When Houston originally signed Speed, many viewed it primarily as a special teams addition and depth move. Instead, he quickly carved out a meaningful role in DeMeco Ryans’ defense.

Speed ended up starting multiple games at weakside linebacker (WLB), rotating heavily with Henry To'oTo'o while also remaining one of the team’s better special teams contributors.

His speed, range, and downhill mentality made him a natural fit for the position. He plays with the type of aggressive “SWARM” enforcer mindset DeMeco Ryans covets defensively, flying sideline-to-sideline and delivering some punishing hits along the way.

The immediate assumption is that Henry To’oTo’o now fully takes over the WLB role, which may have happened eventually regardless. However, the bigger concern becomes the depth behind him.

If Azeez Al-Shaair were to miss time, Houston would likely move Henry To’oTo’o back to Mike linebacker like they have in the past. Likewise, if Henry himself misses time, suddenly the Texans are looking for meaningful snaps at WLB.

That is where this offseason’s linebacker additions become extremely important.

Houston addressed the position heavily during the offseason, both in free agency and the draft.

One of the more intriguing additions was Marte Mapu, a safety/WLB hybrid who has also logged snaps at Mike linebacker. His background as a former safety gives him the speed and range necessary to play weakside linebacker in Ryans’ scheme.

The Texans also signed Jake Hummel, though he is widely viewed more as a special teams ace and natural Mike linebacker depth piece. He can play some weakside linebacker if needed, but that does not appear to be his ideal role.

Then there is Jamal Hill entering Year 3.

Hill was drafted in the sixth round in 2023 as another former safety conversion project.

Most of his work so far has come on special teams, where he has made his living early in his career.

The physical profile and athletic skillset fit the WLB role well, but he has played just eight defensive snaps over two seasons at the position. Unless he has made major developmental strides behind the scenes, it may be difficult for Houston to confidently lean on him immediately for major defensive snaps.

Jake Hansen profiles similarly to Hummel. He is more of a Mike linebacker who can play some weakside linebacker in emergency situations, but special teams remains his clearest path to the roster. In many ways, Hansen and Hummel feel like they are competing directly against each other for one roster spot.

Then comes the draft additions.

The Texans selected Wade Woodaz in the fourth round out of Clemson, and he now suddenly becomes one of the most interesting names to watch.

Woodaz played both Mike and weakside linebacker at Clemson. Like several of Houston’s recent linebacker additions, he is another converted safety with legitimate speed and range.

At 6-foot-4 and roughly 235 pounds, he possesses the exact type of sideline-to-sideline frame and movement skills DeMeco Ryans values at WLB.

At minimum, Woodaz projects as the type of body Frank Ross loves on special teams.

However, even before the Speed injury, there was already a path forming for him as the eventual long-term replacement for Henry To’oTo’o or Speed at weakside linebacker.

Henry To’oTo’o is entering a contract year, while Speed was only under contract for two seasons. Woodaz always felt like a developmental future option at the spot.

Now, he may be forced into contributing much sooner than originally expected.

To me, Woodaz feels like the first notable in-house solution to potentially fill the void left behind by Speed.

Houston also drafted Aiden Fisher in the seventh round out of Indiana.

Fisher has experience at both Mike and weakside linebacker, though personally, I view him more naturally as a Mike linebacker long term. Still, he offers versatility and could provide emergency depth at WLB if needed.

Outside of Woodaz, the other most logical internal option remains Marte Mapu.

Both players are former safeties with speed, range, and movement ability that fit what Ryans asks from his weakside linebackers defensively.

The larger question now becomes whether Houston pursues outside help.

The one notable name that immediately comes to mind is Blake Cashman.

I previously wrote during free agency that Cashman’s contract structure potentially made him a logical trade candidate for the Vikings. More importantly, Cashman already thrived playing weakside linebacker in DeMeco Ryans’ defense during his previous stint in Houston.

He perfectly fits the speed, coverage ability, and aggressive downhill mentality Ryans values at the position.

The issue, of course, would be trade compensation and cap implications. A move like that would also likely immediately push Henry To’oTo’o back into more of a rotational role or Mike linebacker role long term.

Still, what feels most plausible right now is Houston simply adding another backend veteran body to compete for a roster spot rather than making a major move.

Ultimately, the Texans likely hope Woodaz and Mapu can hold down the position well enough if needed until a potential midseason return from Speed.